Men’s Basketball: Lancers in LU’s crosshairs

They’re back in the top 10, but for the Lakehead Thunderwolves, that’s the least of their concerns.

First and foremost on the men’s basketball team’s to-do list is taking out the Windsor Lancers, a team they’ll probably have to sweep this weekend to the coveted top spot in the OUA West.

At 12-5, the Wolves have long since sewn up a playoff berth, nine wins in 10 games since Christmas taking care of that minor tidbit.

But first place could mean avoiding the Carleton Ravens until the OUA final, when a spot at nationals would already be wrapped up.

Coach Scott Morrison knows the games this weekend are big.

“Getting a first-round bye is the most important thing, but right now we have to shoot for first. For that to be possible we’ve basically got to win all four games,”?he said. “Either way you cut it, we’re going to stay focused on Friday’s games. Hopefully we play well and get a W and then set the tone for Saturday.”

Morrison isn’t putting too much stake into their post Christmas streak, the lone blemish a surprising loss on home court to the Brock Badgers.

The team has been playing a bit better each week, but improvements can still be made.
It’s a matter of not getting too overconfident and understanding that it’s hard work and team effort that usually vaults them into the win column.

They’re not there yet, but they’re getting close,?Morrison said.

“I?think we’re capable of a little more. Hard work and hustle-wise?I?think we’re getting there. Everyone’s on the same page and buying in,”?Morrison said.

“And our defensive game plan is getting better and better every week.

“But I?think we can get better with it. And at the same time offensively, we haven’t had too many games when more than one or two guys have been feeling it. os I?think if we can get lucky and have a night when two or three or more guys are all shooting the ball well, then I?think we’re going to be tough to beat right now.”

Morrison added any way you slice it, the Lancers (13-3) are not going to be easy to beat, especially at this time of year.

“Windsor’s starting lineup is basically a Division 1 team. They’ve got Division 1 size, athleticism and talent. Obviously we’ve got to hope to contain those guys and make them go deep into their bench,”?he said.

“They’ve got a tough full-court pressure that uses those attributes.?We’re going to have to handle that first and get them to a half-court game at both ends.”?